Our public library system and some surprising librarians

Introduction: Gary Hartzell will introduce us to some very interesting characters from Los Angeles and around the world, who might just change your conception of what kinds of people go into librarianship. We will also have the opportunity to meet and speak with Maria Manigbas, Manhattan Beach Library Manager.

We all know the librarian stereotype: doughty, fussy, and dedicated to shushing us all. Of course, it’s not true – but it is enduring.

In 1907, Charles Lummis, the Los Angeles City Librarian at the time, was a robust character who could not “Shush” himself, let alone others. He set out to break that stereotype by creating a subgroup in the American Library Association, “The Bibliosmiles.” It was an organization for librarians made up of librarians he said, “who are nevertheless human.” Fun, beginning to end.

Throughout history, many librarians -- like Lummis himself, for example -- have been fascinating, engaging, innovative, and important people. And, conversely, people whose names you know but might never associate with libraries actually were librarians at one time in their lives. Did you know that the great lover Casanova was a librarian? Or that Christopher Columbus’s son, Hernando, created a massive library? Or that long before becoming head of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover worked as a cataloger for the Library of Congress?

On Friday, April 12, Gary Hartzell will introduce us to some very interesting characters from Los Angeles and around the world, who might just change your conception of what kinds of people go into librarianship. We will also have the wonderful opportunity to meet and speak with Maria Manigbas, our own Manhattan Beach Library Manager. She will not only tell us about rich current and upcoming events and programs at our library, but also about the recognition honor bestowed on the LA County Public Library System by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

For more information, feel free to contact the Older Adults Program at (310) 802-5430. For more classes, activities, excursions and bus trips offered by the Older Adults Program, please visit the Older Adults Program page.